80 Days brings Jules Verne's adventure story to the iPhone and iPad

80 Days, a new and rather ambitious interactive take on Jules Verne's classic adventure story Around The World In 80 Days, has been released for the iPhone and iPad by developer inkle, who previously released the acclaimed game Sorcery.

Like Socery, 80 Days is a kind of interactive novel, as it takes a steampunk twist to Verne's tale of Phileas Fogg attempting to go around the world in 80 days in the year 1872. Players actually compete against others online to find the best route to go around the world, with a ticking clock to remind them that there is a deadline to beat.

The app description says:

Playing as Phileas Fogg's loyal valet, Passepartout, you must balance your master's health, your finances, and the time, as you choose your own path from city to city all the way around the world. Bribe your way onto early departures, but don't let yourself go bankrupt or you'll be sleeping rough and begging for aid! Trade items for profit, and collect the equipment for the conditions you'll face: but too much luggage will slow you down.

What do you think of this rather interesting take on Jules Verne's classic?